GUARANTEED RAILWAYS IN INDIA.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he could state the dates at which, within the next two years, notice should be given to the several guaranteed or subsidised Indian railways for the termination or revision of their existing contracts or agreements with the Government of India or Secretary of State; and whether due care would be taken in any revision or renewal of these agreements so to limit the new terms as to safeguard the interests of the Government and taxpayers of India.

Within the next two years notice of termination of contract may be given to one guaranteed Indian railway company, viz., the Great Indian Peninsula Railway Company (on any day within six months after the 17th of August, 1899). The contract with the Rohilkund and Kumaon Railway Company for the completion and working of the Lucknow-Bareilly State Railway may be terminated on the 31st of December, 1900, or on the 31st of December in any subsequent year, by giving not less than twelve months' previous notice. In any revision of contracts with Indian railway companies the interests of the Government and taxpayers of India will be duly safeguarded.